Two Central Otago fires in three days caused by hot ashes have prompted another warning about correct disposal of ashes.
Clyde Volunteer Fire Brigade crews doused a fire on Tuesday after a wheelie bin with hot ashes was left against a garage door in Clyde.
''It was very lucky it happened in daylight and one of the neighbours saw the black smoke, as the house occupants were away at the time,'' Clyde Chief Fire Officer Richard Davidson said.
''When we opened up the door, everything right against it on the other side was really hot.''
It was also fortunate the fire did not have a chance to spread to the garage, which was separate from the house.
Ashes should be stored in a metal container until they were cold and placed well away from any structures, Mr Davidson said.
Alexandra firefighters attended a similar fire at a Galloway home on Sunday.
